Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Rico Dowdle


Week 1 Projections

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Rush
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0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Chuba Hubbard News

Chuba Hubbard a Prime Bounce-Back Candidate Following Panthers' Offseason Moves

Thursday, May 7, 11:10 AM

After logging 1,366 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard saw his production dip in 2025. Across 15 games, the 26-year-old recorded just 734 scrimmage yards and four scores. Hubbard opened the year as the Panthers RB1, but an early-season injury opened the door for Rico Dowdle to take over the lead rusher role in Carolina. However, Dowdle signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March, which could provide Hubbard an opportunity to reassume a three-down role. The Panthers did not add any running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving the oft-injured Jonathan Brooks and the unproven Trevor Etienne as Hubbard's primary competition. In dynasty formats, Hubbard's stock is rising following Carolina's offseason moves.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Rico Dowdle News

Will Rico Dowdle Emerge as the Clear RB1 in Pittsburgh?

Friday, April 17, 12:28 PM

Veteran running back Rico Dowdle had a standout year with the Carolina Panthers in 2025, racking up 1,373 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 275 touches across 17 games. The 27-year-old parlayed his strong season into a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he will likely share lead running back duties with Steelers back Jaylen Warren. Dowdle is the stronger short-area and goal-line back between the two, which could lead to him earning a larger role in the red zone. However, Warren is a standout pass-catcher, which might lead to a drop-off in Dowdle's fantasy value in PPR formats. Dowdle was able to thrive while paired with Panthers back Chuba Hubbard in 2025, so he's proven the ability to provide fantasy production in a split backfield. Still, dynasty managers may want to value Dowdle more as an RB3/flex option than a no-doubt starter at the running back position.


Chuba Hubbard vs. Rico Dowdle

Still trying to decide between Hubbard and Dowdle? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Chuba Hubbard is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Rico Dowdle is projected to score 0.0 points.